Great ‘What to Buy at Costco & Makro’ Hunt

Headman_2

I pretty much agree with everything that's been said about Costco. I live around 25 miles away but it's well worth a monthly trip. Last year I bought a Flymo hover mower for around £50 cheaper than Argos, thus saving double the annual membership in one go! I also save loads on contact lens all-in-one solution; Renu works out at less than £4 a bottle, it's around £10 in the shops. It's even cheaper than Tesco own-brand, my previous best price.

Other regular bargains are Finish dishwasher tablets, (much cheaper than supermarkets, even when they've got them on offer), Ariel bio washing tablets, Robinson's squash and tins of tuna.

The meat and bakery sections are fantastic; similar price to supermarkets but so much better quality.

eslick

costco coffee is a starbuck blend, the beans have this on the bag but was told by someone who worked for them in the US that all of the kirkland coffee is blended by them

silly_billy_magic

The physical size of both Costco and Makro, and the vast range of products they offer, make them appear like an Aladdin's Cave. Look only for the genuine bargains and/or bulk-buy discounts...and resist falling into temptation!!!

I would recommend eveything from Costco's bakery and butcher departments. The only downside for private consumers is that most of the product are 'catering size'. As these products are made on the premises, however, they can be frozen on day of purchase.

If you have the storage room, it can be very prudent to buy cleaning materials, toilet rolls, paper towels, etc in bulk sizes.

Costco is based in the USA, so they sell a number of interesting items in their UK stores that cannot be purchased easily elsewhere in the UK.

Remember that both Costco and Makro price their products exclusive of VAT, so it can be a bit of a shock when 15% is added at the till for all items subject to VAT.

stars_bright

I have been looking at the application for trade membership but am still a bit unsure what makes you eligable fir trade membership. I could easily get the required paperwork to get trade membership as I work in a school office so have a school cheque book, bank account utility bills etc, but are you supposed to actually own a business to get trade membership?

halucin8

My Partner works for costco, I lost my card today (misplaced and cant find it under all the kids toys more like), Anyway i went in and they gave me a new card no problem but its a new black card like the one from the states, talking to the girl on the desk she explained that atm they are only available to employees and spouses ( no we dont get discounts, wish we did). later this month the new back card called an executive card will be available to all members it will cost a little more than standard membership but for each card on the account you will get a discount/cashback, for staff it works a little differently as they will get their cash back on their employment anniversary. i think its 2%. i know its not much but it soon adds up. i know my partner cringes when he sees me waltzing in the doors cos im going to blow his paycheck

@stars_bright if u have any query regarding membership u can email them to ask at [EMAIL="memberservices@costco.co.uk"]email: memberservices@costco.co.uk[/EMAIL]

and costco bakery is so good because most if not all of the goods ie: cakes cookies etc are baked from scratch and not brought in part baked.

and regards to the no quibble warranty i think the reason for that was because people were going to costco during the world cup buying big TVs and when it was over taking it back, not because it was broken or faulty or poor quality but simply because the world cup was over.

BikerEd

That exec card is good news. Do you know if they plan to do the Costco Amex card that they have in the US as well, which also gives cashback on other spending outside Costco?

lislou

Foster carers can get trade membership too.

karena

Havent had a booklet through from the Reading or Watford store for ages. Can anyone out there tell me if beds or washing machines/dryers on special offer? Tks

mumofnine

My husband got our cards 4 years ago-he was a taxi driver.I think some stuff can still be bought cheaper at supermarkets depending on their offers so it's worth checking before you go and bulk buy.We generally buy their frozen chicken(100% chicken,no water or anything added)it's about the same price but better value for money,also milk,bread,beans,robinsons juice,soap powder(keep an eye on supermarket offers for brand names),bananas and cat litter/food.They also have some great reduced stuff i got some Lily o'Brien easter eggs for 97p+vat about a week after easter.The christmas hampers that go down in price a day or 2 before christmas are brilliant,can be split into 3 or 4 presents and are good value for money:D

the_crofters

washing powder is fine and it also says on the packet that it can be used as a general purpose cleaner as well. it also has fresh but subtle smell.well worth it